The TSA Changed a Major Rule for Flyers

Hate the hassle of taking off your shoes at airport security every time you fly? Those days are now behind you. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a major shift in American airport security protocol: Passengers are no longer required to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints.

The longstanding requirement to remove shoes was originally implemented in 2006, several years after Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoe on a 2001 American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami.

“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.”

A spokesperson for the TSA told SmarterTravel that this new nationwide policy is officially in effect at “all federalized airports.”

Will the 3-1-1 liquids rule be the next one to go?

On July 11, the TSA posed on Facebook,“You might get to keep your shoes on these days… but that XL bottle of lotion? Still not making it through this summer. The 3.4 oz liquids rule isn’t just to keep your bags light, it’s based on real security concerns. Liquid explosives can be disguised as everyday products, and limiting the quantity still helps keep everyone safe in the skies.”

But just five days later, on July 16, Noem suggested the liquids rule might soon be up for revision. Speaking at the Hill Nation Summit, she said, “The liquids—I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement, is what size your liquids need to be… We’re looking at, you know, our scanners.”